Biden Urged by Former US Officials to Harden Approach Towards Israel
US former officials urged, in a letter to Biden, Israel to adhere to rules of engagement consistent with international law.
US President Joe Biden, Speaker of the US House of Representatives Mike Johnson and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on Saint Patrick Day in Washington DC. Photo by Anadolu Images.
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group of nearly 70 former U.S. officials, diplomats, and military officers has issued a public plea to President Joe Biden, urging his administration to adopt a more stringent approach towards Israel regarding its treatment of Palestinians and expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank.
In an open letter addressed to President Biden, the group emphasized the need for the United States to hold Israel accountable for any actions that deny civil rights and basic necessities to Palestinians. The signatories urged the Biden administration to consider imposing serious consequences if Israel continues such practices, including restrictions on U.S. assistance to Israel in accordance with U.S. law and policy.
The letter included signatures from over a dozen former ambassadors, as well as retired State Department officials, former Pentagon personnel, intelligence officers, and White House officials. Notable signatories included Anthony Lake, who served as a national security adviser during the Clinton administration.
Repeated violations of international law
The group expressed growing concern over Israel’s recent military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which were sparked by Hamas’s incursion into southern Israel on October 7th. The signatories condemned the extensive destruction caused in Gaza, where nearly 32,000 Palestinians have been killed and the population of 2.3 million is facing severe shortages of food, water, and shelter.
While acknowledging the necessity of Israeli military action against Hamas, the group criticized Israel for what they deemed as repeated violations of international law, particularly regarding the indiscriminate killing of civilians. They highlighted the disproportionate number of civilian casualties, including women and children, and emphasized that such civilian deaths cannot be justified.
Israel has refuted allegations of violating international law during its military operations, asserting that its actions are justified measures of self-defense against Hamas.
Humanitarian aid delivery
In addition to calling for an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of a reliable humanitarian aid delivery system, the signatories urged Israel to adhere to rules of engagement consistent with international law. They expressed strong support for President Biden’s efforts to broker a truce and facilitate humanitarian assistance in the region.
The public appeal from former U.S. officials underscores the escalating tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the increasing scrutiny faced by Israel’s actions on the international stage. As President Biden navigates diplomatic efforts in the region, the pressure mounts for the United States to take a more assertive stance in addressing the humanitarian crisis and promoting a peaceful resolution to the longstanding conflict.
Source: Reuters
